Santa Gertrude: description and characteristics of the breed, rules for keeping cows

Description of Santa Gertrude - a breed of cows bred in the USA from the best producers of beef cattle breeds. The breeding traits inherited by the cattle of this breed combine the best qualities of their ancestors - this is endurance, the ability to quickly gain weight, large size, adaptability to different climatic conditions and resistance to piroplasmosis (a disease that develops after the bite of blood-sucking insects).

History of the breed

To get the first individuals of the breed, Texas breeders in the United States, starting in 1910, crossed bulls of the Indian type zebu and Shorthorn cows.Initially, the prerequisite for breeding a new breed was the intolerance of cattle to extreme heat conditions. Cows have died from numerous infections resulting from the bites of blood-sucking insects (which are very common in hot climates).

As a result of the experiments of breeders, the breed appeared, but the first batches were subjected to thorough research. The best, according to scientists, were considered individuals in whose body the blood was contained in the following proportions:

• 3/8 from zebu bulls;
• 5/8 from Shorthorn cows.

In 1920, a parent pair was singled out, from which the Monkey bull was obtained and raised. In the course of his research, high-quality genetic material was discovered, and Monkey's offspring were considered the elite sires of the breed.

A separate breed of cattle was recognized only in 1940, after which the cattle began to spread around the globe. Now Santa Gertrude is bred not only in the USA, but also in Asia, Africa and since 1956 in Russia (the Volga region, the Caucasus, the Urals).

Description and characteristics of Santa Gertrud cows

The appearance of the cattle is massive. The coloration is dark cherry, there may be light blotches on the skin of the abdomen. From bulls, zebu cows got a small hump on their backs. You can recognize representatives of the breed by signs formed over many decades:

• short hairline that glistens in the sun and shines;
• small head;
• thin ears hanging down;
• short straight neck;
• developed muscles in the meat areas of the body - on the chest, back, back;
• steady, not very long legs.

Adult individuals reach a large mass and a height at the withers of about 140 centimeters. Bulls weigh 800-1000 kilograms, cows - 550-600 kilograms. Calves are born with a mass of 25-40 kilograms, but grow rapidly.The average daily weight gain is 850-900 grams. Daily milk yield of first-calf heifers - 5-10 liters of milk with a fat content of 4-6%.

Pros and cons

Thanks to the careful efforts of breeders, it was possible to develop a breed that is unpretentious to weather conditions, blood infections and with high meat productivity.

This cattle has a lot of advantages:

• high weight gain even in hot climates with a quality diet;
• thick skin that protects animals from frost;
• the presence of sweat glands that perform a thermoregulatory function and prevent overheating in the sun;
• pronounced maternal instinct in females;
• no problems during calving;
• savings in livestock, especially in areas where the stall period is short;
• no case and immunity to diseases such as piroplasmosis, thelaziosis, theileriosis.

Santa Gertrude cattle produce high-quality meat with a fat content of 20% and a pronounced taste.

Pets can eat and gain weight without having massive fat deposits. The disadvantages include fertility - 60-65%.

Subtleties of maintenance and care

Farmers have no particular problems with keeping these cows. Cattle are adapted to long distance transportation, can stay in heat and cold for a long time. The maximum weight gain is observed in the autumn period, with a quality diet. Thanks to the thick skin and thick, but short, wool, animals do not freeze. A stall with dry and clean bedding is enough for them.

Feeding

Cow grazing in large areas allows livestock to find a variety of coarse and soft grasses. If there is not enough forbs, you can add hay with s alted barley to the diet; in winter, Santa Gertrude use reeds. The menu consists of:

• corn silage;
• roughage;
• haylage;
• legumes and cereals;
• molasses;
• bone meal;
• phosphates.

Cattle of this breed do not require much water, but it must be present in drinkers, clean and fresh. In spring, it is recommended to increase the amount of greens in the diet, and closer to autumn - rough vegetable feed.

Nuances of reproduction

Santa Gertrude calves are easy and rarely require veterinary treatment.Sexual maturity occurs at 18 months, the first calving occurs at 30 months. Until the age of 6 months, the calf feeds on mother's milk, but from the age of two months it can be fed with hay.

It is recommended to graze young animals on the same pasture with adults. Cows have a wonderful maternal instinct, they do not let the calf go far from them.

The best time for calving is spring. Farmers need to remember that during suckling, calves and cows themselves are shy, so you should not bring strangers into the corral, make loud noises.

Possible diseases

Santa Gertrude cattle are in excellent he alth. They are not susceptible to infectious diseases and have strong immunity. As with other breeds, Santa Gertrude cows sometimes have tympania (overflow of the rumen with gases), atony (insufficient activity of the proventriculus during overfeeding). To prevent infection with mass infections (foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis, tuberculosis), routine vaccinations are carried out.

Santa Gertrude is an excellent meat breed, which farmers in many countries managed to fall in love with. The slaughter yield of cattle is 70%, the meat is of excellent quality, with a low fat content. A distinctive feature of the breed is unpretentiousness to weather conditions. Cows can live and forage even on poor pastures, which is important for areas with little fresh vegetation.

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